Canon what is p mode

Improve this question. I just realized there is differences in P exposure mode between camera makes and perhaps models even. Though this question does not work for me, as I have a Sony A My first comment to this question was a request to drop the "Nikon D" from the question title. But I deleted it then - for example Sony has two slightly different "Auto"-modes, so asking what difference is between P-mode and Auto, one would first need to know which Auto-mode it was. I can revise my answer to include a selection of the page numbers you didn't read if that would be valuable to you.

Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. Full Auto Do everything - leave only the most basic functions open to the photographer. Scene modes Like Full-Auto with preset values for the chosen conditions. P Flexible Program - Do most things but allow plenty of scope for overrides A Aperture Priority - Use the photographers chosen aperture and balance the shutter speed up to get a good result. Manual Automate as little as possible. Improve this answer. Community Bot 1. James Snell James Snell 9, 22 22 silver badges 38 38 bronze badges.

Edited - hope that clears up what scenario is right for which of the two modes. As far as use cases goes I can think of a few: Situations that have a great variation in brightness from shot to shot. If you are struggling with a dark scene that needs both a wide aperture and fairly slow shutter speed one second, and bright light that calls for a fast shutter and small aperture the next, using P mode allows the camera to adjust both without you needing to change a value you would have locked in using Tv or Av mode.

In situations that you are going to shoot manually, you can begin by taking a few test shots in P mode to get a middle of the road starting point to base your settings on in M mode.

This might be especially helpful for newer photographers who are still learning how to shoot manually. In more casual shooting situations when you are in 'snapshot' mode but want a little more control than allowed with Auto mode.

Michael C Michael C k 9 9 gold badges silver badges bronze badges. Difference between Auto mode and P-mode Auto mode won't let you set anything. All settings are computed by camera. So fundamental difference is that in P-mode you have some control over the final image. In P, you can't use auto-ISO. If you do, you won't be able to change values at all at least on my D Use-case scenario of "P-mode" Don't know. Sign up or log in Sign up using Google.

Register Sign In. How Do I? Pro Photography Photographer Critiques Storage. Camera Modes. Awesome Interesting Useful Boring Comments steelmysystem. Nick English says:. Steve B says:. Jim says:. John D says:. David Peterson says:. Philip says:. Ken says:. Neville says:. DaveLaw says:. Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Your email address will not be published. About David Peterson. David Peterson is the creator of Digital Photo Secrets , and the Photography Dash and loves teaching photography to fellow photographers all around the world.

Related Tutorials. Prepare to learn photography the fun way! Simple and effective tips and techniques. Learn at your own pace right from home! Master your camera in the shortest time possible. No obligation to buy. No contracts. No hassles. We will never share your private info While using Program mode can be very useful, it is also a good idea to learn how to use Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual modes as well.

There are plenty of other photography tips and topics at the site to help you better understand the basics of photography. Join over , photographers of all experience levels who receive our free photography tips and articles to stay current:. I completely agree. There is this kid in my Photojournalism class with a Canon dslr and he always shoots in manual mode.

But when ever we share our pictures, his are always terrible! I know for a fact that if he would just switch it in auto or p at least, he would take so much better pictures. Beyond that, I am perfectly willing to let the camera do the heavy lifting on exposure for most subjects.

Of course, the dues I mentioned in the first sentence have given me the experience to know when to switch my mode to A or S if the subject or desired effect calls for it. Another reason to use P mode: chasing bugs. When you are following a bug or any wildlife for that matter a split second can make the difference between a photo or a photo of empty air.

You still have to learn a lot about exposure, shutter and aperture, though, because of lighting, weather and even the bugs themselves. In P mode, as you said, I can quickly change a setting that needs fixing and still get an insect photograph. All this discussion, looks to me, is obviously under an assumption that there are only 3 modes on a camera you can use: auto, P, and manual.

So P is the best choice out of auto and manual. But if I know how to use Av and Tv S modes, then I have way better control than P, in terms of control of the aperture or shutter speed. It makes me question their skills. I definitely think that Auto modes have a role in photography, at some point.

It makes life easier, definitely, since all you have to do is point and shoot. The results will be great most of the time, when the weather is right.

I guess if you already use P mode then it makes you feel good that other people do too. M mode is definitely easier. If you really want to make it easy for you, just use Auto, not P. If you want to be more creative I think M mode is better.

If you bought a DSLR surely it is because you want better control and better photos? Been using that for some time now, with great result. I have a hand me down camera…and have no idea what most of it does. Trying to learn. I assume this relates to shutter speed? Any suggestions? Straight forward explanation of P mode which helped me.

The problem is that most people want GREAT photos without learning photography and articles like this just add to the confusion.